When Is It Necessary To Extract Baby Teeth?

Book an Appointment Call Now

October 2, 2017

Baby teeth, also called primary or milk teeth, serve an important function in the development of permanent tooth placement. If baby teeth are pulled too soon or stay in place for too long, it can adversely affect the eruption pattern and alignment of the permanent teeth. It is important to speak to an orthodontist before making any decisions about baby tooth extractions.

Primary Tooth Loss Schedule

Baby teeth are typically lost at certain ages. These ages may vary slightly from child to child, but should follow a certain pattern that corresponds to the pattern of permanent tooth eruption. If a child begins to lose teeth in a pattern that is outside of the normal eruption schedule, it may cause crowding in the mouth or misalignments. If a child goes several years over the normal tooth loss schedule, it may delay permanent tooth eruption or cause existing permanent teeth to shift into unnatural placements. Baby teeth are generally lost around the following ages:

  • Between ages six and eight the lower and upper central primary incisors are lost
  • After central primary incisors, the lower and upper lateral incisors are lost
  • Between ages eight and ten there is a one to two year pause
  • Between ages ten and thirteen the lower canines and first molars are lost
  • Following the first molar loss, the upper canines are lost, then upper and lower molars

Extraction Considerations

If a baby tooth is damaged or begins to decay, it may be necessary to extract the tooth in order to save gum health and eliminate pain. However, extracting a baby tooth before it is time for the permanent tooth to erupt can allow surrounding teeth to shift to fill the gap. If the tooth can be saved, orthodontists often recommend using other methods so that the gap is naturally filled until the permanent tooth comes in. If it becomes necessary to extract a primary tooth, the orthodontist may recommend filling the space with a prosthetic tooth until the permanent tooth comes in. It may also be necessary to fill a space with a prosthetic tooth if more than three months pass between the loss of a baby tooth and the eruption of a permanent tooth.

Primary Tooth Extraction Benefits

If primary teeth are pulled at an appropriate time, it can sometimes prevent later complications. Pulling primary teeth will not permanently solve crowding issues, but it can help orthodontists guide permanent tooth development patterns so that straightening procedures and surgeries that would have been necessary later can be avoided. However, every child develops differently. Parents and orthodontists should discuss all possible remedies for childhood tooth complications before making the decision to extract baby teeth.

Back to Press Center

Testimonials

Good quality office, and dental work.

Igor Gonchar (Hallandale Beach, FL)

The best Doctor and assistants, who really care about their patients and work professionally. They helped me to save a tooth, when other doctor refused to do so, and what... Read more

A

When I first found this office I was terrified of the dentist and I had constant anxiety when seeing dentists. Now I look forward to cleanings and my anxiety is... Read more

Hayley Kaplan (Wellington, FL)

Very professional office , sweet people. Love this place . I really recommend it . I went for an emergency dentist issue and I would hoped tolived in this city... Read more

Ingry Rodriguez

I am usually very scared of dentists and specially surgery but today Dr. Gorbatov and his wonderful team made the experience go seamless and they are very professional and knowledgeable... Read more

Marlene Girard

Dr. Gorbatov and staff are WONDERFUL! Highly skilled, innovative, up to date with the most updated technology. The entire staff is warm, friendly, kind, and extremely helpful. I came across... Read more

Dr. Dee

What a great experience at the dentist!! I wish I had found these guys years ago, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid of the dentist. Thought I needed a root... Read more

Craig Balsam (Wellington, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov Dmitry - Doctor with a capital letter. Many thanks to the doctor and his team. The clinic employs real experts in their field.It's amazing, but after visiting Dr.... Read more

Yulia Dobrynina

Great service Knowledgeable doctor Friendly staff 5+ stars!! Someone hacked into my account and gave false review. Not me!!! Outstanding service @ Dr Gorbatov Dentistry!!!!

Ellen Zlobinskiy (Hallandale Beach, FL)

If you're looking for an Exceptional dentist then you should visit Dr. Gorbatov Dentistry. I've only been going to this dentist office a little over two months to obtain a... Read more

S Jackson

Book an Appointment
Skip to content

Appointment







Fill out email and/or message